| [ Summary ] |
Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are uncommon and represent 1 - 2 % of all pancreatic neoplasms. PETs, however, are specific, because they may be associated with clinical syndromes of functioning tumors and have better prognoses than more common cancers. In addition, the frequency of detection of PETs has increased due to the development and application of more sensitive diagnostic approaches, such as better imaging techniques and more reliable laboratory tests, which are useful even for non-functional tumors. In this article, the concept, definition and criteria for malignancy, as well as differential diagnoses of PETs are described. In particular, the latest WHO classification, including criteria for malignancy are discussed. |